Sad to see it go, even if not for us. They seem to be doing it well in support of their future lives.

Last edited by An Unseen Scene (2024-12-29 15:42:14)

More here:-

https://www.ft.com/content/5cae3f39-b0df-48fe-b229-3de12c4100ef

I do not get that impression, they just worked themselves to exhaustion in the last part of their working lives and couldn't have anyone else doing the core tailoring. I think they had strong customer loyalty in a niche who valued what they did, which seemed to be art, music, craft and era recreation advocates (Goodwood Revival, Vintage fairs and festivals etc).

While I do not understand your perspective in the final part of your reply, if it is true - it will be for John Simons too over time. People only need or afford so many cord suits whether made in vintage or Ivy style.

We are in an ageing society, the market for such clothing is probably going to shrink progressively. That will be complemented by their eras of style fading away and cultural promoters ageing (Paul Weller, Suggs etc for JS all in their mid sixties plus now, not really any comtemporary or infuencer supporters).

It feels to me that Old Town got out at the right time with dignity. They were makers themselves not just retailers. That said in the same way as Old Town, without Paul there would be no JS in business with John now in his mid eighties.

Last edited by An Unseen Scene (2024-12-31 14:48:00)

Well, that certainly told me Unseen and Kingy.

My remark was tongue in cheek and not particularly directed at Holt, or Old Town - more their customers.

Areas like Holt, once more modest or working-class, have been gentrified by a new demographic, typically young professionals or retirees with high disposable incomes. They move into such places, contributing in some ways to the area's economic and cultural revitalization. However, their presence pushes up property prices, leading to the  marginalisation and displacement of the original residents. Nonetheless they see themselves as socially aware or attuned to social problems and one of the ways they underline these credentials is by wearing workwear type clothing. I find them slightly annoying.

F6C, worth pointing out that those accounts of gentrification - middle class 'edgy' types moving in to areas with coffee bars and record shops etc - tend to downplay how investors often pile in to areas where there is a big gap between current rent and potential future rent (known as the 'rent gap'). At least, that's how it goes for places like London and New York. I think both elements true, but does shape the kinds of political responses needed. But know what you mean about those liberal Guardian types.

I always wondered why Old Town didn't pick up on the ivy-inspired trend and produce a high rise trim pair of trousers...it's not like they didn't do high waisted trousers but all looked so 'fancy dress' hipstery. Nonetheless, seems almost impossible to sustain these kinds of initiatives (ivy or otherwise), which probably, in a tiny little way, says something about the current state of British capitalism (if such a thing can be said to exist). More money to be made in unproductive areas....like property!

Ok, I massively stretching the connection back to gentrification for narrative reasons. That said, I assume you have to be capital personified to be able to afford to buy clothes from places like Drakes. Some people have been getting richer over the last decade or so, even if it's not me (or us)...

Old Town clothes now appearing on the Marrkt site